She has completed a dozen or so Marathons, raising thousands of dollars for research etc. She has been an advocate for those suffering with diabetes in both her community and province. She keeps her brother on his toes who has type 2 diabetes. She volunteers her time for the diabetes and, and the human society in her town. She has held a number of volunteer positions in her province on behalf of the Canadian Diabetes Association. She was an organizer for a support group in New Westminster and Salmon Arm. She will be torch bearer for the Olympic torch when it comes through her community. Nel Peach is a Diabetes Champion!

“I live an almost normal life, despite my type 1 diabetes. I still have good control even after almost 5 years (I’m 14, I was diagnosed at age 9). My doctor always tells me I am his best patient, which is flattering, but I always feel bad for the people who fight for good blood sugars. I try to have a positive outlook on life, but sometimes it’s hard, and the whole thing just brings me down. I always have people to talk to though. I have so many friends from camp, and we’re all in the same boat. Just this summer, I tried a pump infusion set at camp with a few of my friends. I was so proud! Pumps had scared me and grossed me out for 4 years, but now I am actually getting one. I can’t wait to be almost the same as my friends. But I guess we can’t all be the same, or the world would be a pretty boring place, wouldn’t it?”

Rick has type 1 diabetes and has been volunteering with Canadian Diabetes Association for 30 years. Rick has served as Regional Chair, and Regional Delegate and currently acts as Chair of the volunteer team in Duncan, BC.

My son Iain was diagnosed this past Nov 14/2008– World Diabetes day of 2008 which we found ironic. It has been a long (almost) year with many challenges, upsets and fears. Iain turned 7 just 2 weeks after his diagnosis so there wasn’t much cake either. We are proud of how well he is doing to try to cope and accept such a challenge.

Joanne Farmer has been living with diabetes since her childhood. She has been actively volunteering with the Canadian Diabetes Association for almost 30 years.

“Jesse is a 13 year old boy who loves the dramatic arts and lives with type 1 diabetes. He will be playing Young Ebenezer Scrooge in Theatre Calgary’s production of “A Christmas Carol” this year. This will be his 4th role in theatre productions in Calgary in the past 3 years. Theatre Calgary is making a costume adjustment so that Jesse can have his insulin pump hidden in an inner pocket of his undershirt so it won’t interfere with his 7 costume changes. Diabetes isn’t going to hold him back from pursuing his dreams as an actor!”

“Part of the reason I got involved with the Canadian Diabetes Association is my close friendship with Andrea Kwasnicki-Senkiw (Manager, Public Programs and Services, Manitoba / Nunavut Region at the Canadian Diabetes Association). I also have two brothers who have diabetes, and a sister who is quite sick. I don’t have it myself, but I’m very much aware of it and what’s needed to take care of one’s self. I’ve been a volunteer with the Association for about 13 years now -canvassing, helping with learning series presentations, as well as advocacy initiatives.”

“I am a Diabetes Champion because I believe one can have diabetes and yet lead a good quality life. Diabetes is not about popping pills. Diabetes is about management, attitude and being educated about the issues. I volunteer with the Canadian Diabetes Association to get this message across. If I can impact the life of even one person living with diabetes, I feel that I have done my job for the day- I feel like a Champion.”

“My little sister, Meg, is my Diabetes Champion. She was diagnosed when she was 6. It’s been 3 years and she is 9 now. She is so brave. I would never be able to do what she does. She doesn’t complain, she knows that this is her life and there’s no changing that. She has always been very optimistic that there will be a cure in her lifetime.”

“I was diagnosed with hyperglycemia in 2003. At that time, I was about 225 lbs, 5′4″ and a health care professional. I had every symptom but was largely in denial. I then set out to become more active and lose weight. I learned all I could about foods and began making small changes every day–toward my goal of losing weight and becoming more active. I did things like parking farther away from the door, taking stairs when I could and looking for ways to increase my activity level. I also had a good look at my eating habits. 8 months later, I had lost 60 pounds and normalized my blood sugar. Today I am still diabetes free. I now work in the field of Aboriginal Diabetes Prevention. I am always spreading the word on how to prevent type 2 diabetes and I try to educate people on nutrition, and I lead physical activity groups. For the past 2 years I have been a leader in the Honour Your Health Challenge in BC leading a group of regular people through a 13-week training program in preparation for the annual Vancouver Sun Run which is a 10k marathon. I have RUN this 10K for the past 2 years. I would not be doing this if I had not had a brush with type 2diabetes. Believe it or not, this prediabetes scare, directly caused me to change my life and today I am healthy and happier than ever. Who would have thought a brush with diabetes could be a positive thing!?”